Monday, April 14, 2014

Graham Harrell experienced scores of success when he quarterbacked Texas Tech while Mike Leach was still running things in Lubbock. Leach will hope that he and Harrell can hook up for more good times at

Washington State.

Harrell joined Leach's staff in Pullman most likely as a "quality control" staff member since the Cougars already have nine assistants on the staff which is the maximum mandated by the NCAA.

Harrell racked up huge numbers in Leach's pass happy system at Texas Tech from 2004 through 2008. During his time with the Red Raiders, Harrell racked .up a number of awards and honors including the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, 2007 Sammy Baugh Trophy and multiple All-America honors. Harrell was also voted the 2008 AT&T All-American Player of the Year in a fan vote. Harrell ended his collegiate career with 15,793 passing yards and 134 touchdowns to 34 interceptions.

Maybe the Cougars can get on track with Leach's crazy scheme and Harrell's knowledge of the system.

Chad Kelly, the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, is no longer a part of the chase to be the Clemson Tigers starting QB. In fact, he is no longer even on the team following Dabo Swinney’s announcement Monday afternoon.“I have dismissed Chad Kelly for conduct detrimental to our program,” stated Swinney. “He has had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program. I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be. I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically.”

There reportedly was an argument between Kelly and the coaching staff during the team’s Orange and White game on Saturday. According to an AP report he disagreed with their decision regarding going for it on a fourth down play. He was benched during the second half of the game following two interceptions. Kelly, a sophomore, was in a three-way race for the starting QB slot competing against senior Cole Stoudt and freshman Deshaun Watson.

Kelly was a red-shirt for the 2012 season then suffered a torn ACL during the 2013 Spring Game. He did play in the SC State game on September 7th. During the 2013 season, he played five games, was 10-17 in passing with a total of 58 yards. He had 16 rushes for 117 yards with a touchdown. Of those rushes, seven were at Virginia with 56 yards.

Bagtas was released from the team after being charged with 10 burglaries that took place in Penn student housing between September and March, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian. Bagtas was released prior to being arrested on March 24, the report said.

I don't know how good of a player Bagtas was or could've become, but this was a really dumb decision. Why would you sacrifice a future just to steal a few laptops? Maybe Bagtas can think about that while he sits behind bars.

Smart said that he, athletic director Kyle Moats and head football coach Terry Allen held a meeting to discuss the possibility of the receiver’s potential availability. The consensus answer was no. Green-Beckham will not be allowed to play there. "That's not the kind of player we recruit to our program," Smart said.
Green-Beckham would be eligible to play at any FCS school immediately. He can't enter the NFL's supplemental draft because he isn't three years removed from his high school class. If he transfers at the FBS level he'll have to sit out a year.

I'm sure he has options but will anyone be willing to take on the baggage he would bring to a program.

Malone's BAC was .112 and .116 according to his booking information, which is over the legal limit in Florida of .08.

"We are aware of the situation concerning Ryan Malone this morning," general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. "Ryan will not travel with the team to Washington today, but beyond that we cannot comment further at this time."

According to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's report, Malone, 34, was arrested at 5:40 Saturday morning on Platt Street and Rome Avenue S in Tampa. There were no other immediate details. Malone was being held on $2,500 bond.

It has been a difficult season for Malone, who has just five goals, 15 points in 57 games, has been demoted to a fourth line and has been a healthy scratch in the past three games.

He has one year left on his contract. If Malone was looking to catch on with another team as a free agent he didn't help his cause.

Mack has just finished up his fifth year with the Musketeers with a loss in the First Four of the NCAA tournament to North Carolina State. Mack sports a 111-57 record and is fourth on the school's all time wins list. The Musketeers have made the NCAA tournament four times during his tenure.

Following in the footsteps of Greg Paulus and a few others, Oregon point guard Jonathan Loyd will try to make the transition from the hardwood to the football field.

Loyd will join the Ducks' football team as a wide receiver. Loyd will use a provision that allows college athletes five years of competition. Since Loyd never redshirted, he has one more season of eligibility.

The 5-foot-8, 163-pound Loyd had offers to play college football after graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas in 2010 but instead signed on as Dana Altman’s first recruit for the Oregon basketball team.

Loyd played in all 144 games for the Ducks during his career, of which 97 were victories. He had his best year as a senior when he averaged 7.0 points and 4.7 assists while helping the Ducks reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Wisconsin on March 22.

Loyd attended an Oregon football practice last week and put the pads on for the first time Monday.

He was a first-team all-state returner after running back five punts for touchdowns and averaging 32.6 yards per kick return. He also played defensive back.

Oregon’s football program has had success in the past with wide receivers off the basketball team. Jordan Kent was Oregon’s second-leading receiver in 2006 when he caught 44 passes for 491 yards and four touchdowns, and Tony Hargain had two 100-yard receiving games from 1987-90 and also played basketball.

With Loyd's size he could compete as a slot receiver or returner. My guess is that if he sees the field he'll be a jack of all trades type.

MyFoxDetroit.com broke the story Monday evening, reporting that the alleged assault took place the day before Opening Day.

The Tigers issued a response to the report, saying: “The organization is aware of the very serious allegation that has been made against pitcher Evan Reed. This allegation is concerning and we are aware of an on-going investigation. It would be inappropriate for the ballclub to comment further at this time.”

Reed’s attorney, David G. Gorcyca, the former Oakland County prosecutor, also issued a statement, which read:

“I was informed this morning that the Detroit Police Department has opened an investigation involving Evan Reed. We are very confident that once a thorough and full investigation is completed, Mr. Reed will have nothing to fear.“During the infancy of this investigation, no one should formulate any conclusions that a crime has been committed. Mr. Reed is currently on a seven-day West Coast road trip and has not been contacted by the Detroit Police Department. We plan on cooperating with the investigation when the time is appropriate. Until then, no further comment will be made by me or Mr. Reed.”

The Tigers released a statement Monday night saying the organization is aware of the "very serious allegation," made against Reed, adding the allegation is "concerning," and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Reed appeared in the Opening Day win over the Royals, pitching the seventh inning. He went 1 1/3 innings in the Tigers’ win over the Orioles on Friday.

Cyclones coach Fred Hoiberg says Gibson intends to transfer to another school following the end of the spring semester.

Gibson, a 6-foot-9 native of Detroit, played in just 14 games for Iowa State last season despite the team's occasional struggles inside.

“I’d like to thank Coach Hoiberg and the rest of the coaches for the opportunity to play at Iowa State,” Gibson said. “I will take with me the memories and friendships created with my teammates. I also want to thank Iowa State’s fans for their support the last three years.”

The Cyclones also gave post player Daniel Edozie playing time over Gibson after forward Georges Niang broke his foot in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Iowa State will add promising junior college transfer Jameel McKay next season, a move that likely would have further cut into Gibson's playing time.

Gibson's departure will free up an extra scholarship for the Cyclones to use next season.

One has to wonder where Gibson will land. He was a high major prospect coming out of high school. Will he transfer closer to home or will he try and land at another major conference program? Gibson does have the skills to flourish in the right situation.

Early on in the 2014 baseball season, Fielder's baserunning gaffes are coming back to rear it's ugly head. Rangers manager Ron Washington called out Fielder for a baserunning mistake that killed a Rangers rally in an 8-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.

Washington said Fielder "blew it" after Fielder stopped at third on a hit by Mitch Moreland. He failed to read coach Gary Pettis coming into third, got himself hung up between third and home and eventually tagged out, effectively squashing a brewing rally.“Prince just blew it,” Washington said. “(Third base coach Gary Pettis) was winding, but Prince went back to the bag. … It's a different situation with runners on second and third with one out and a run in instead runners on second and third with two. You never know what would have happened. We might have only scored that one run right there, but I would have like to have seen what would have happened.”

Fielder's reaction wasn't anything dramatic even though it seems like Washington threw him under the bus.

“I didn’t get a good jump and I didn’t pick up Gary in time. It was one of those days. We played hard, but we made a couple of mistakes. We just have to come back and be sharper,” said Fielder.
If Fielder continues making mistakes like this and has an attitude that says there's always tomorrow, Rangers fans will run out of patience with the big man in a hurry.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Indiana Pacers have put so much into gaining the best record and top seed in the Eastern Conference. They know that with the best record comes home court advantage in the playoffs, something the Pacers would love to have against the Miami Heat.

With Turner and Lance Stephenson both being in a contract year, Turner reportedly has been taking shots from Stephenson and hasn't been passing the ball. Team chemistry has suffered since the trade. Granger was a veteran locker room leader for the younger players despite being on his way out.

Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders has had it rough since he signed his $44 million deal in the offseason. He's been involved in bar fights , fights with teammates, cited by the police for animal cruelty, a broken thumb and eye socket which torpedoed his season.

After failing multiple drug tests, Sanders was suspended or five games for violating the NBA's Anti-Drug policy. Sanders had been using marijuana, presumably for medical reasons. Sanders' suspension will take effect next season when he is healthy and eligible to play.

Sanders apologized to Bucks fans and organization for his marijuana use , but he does feel that it should be ok to use it and that it should be legalized.“I apologize to the entire Bucks organization and our fans for being suspended five games for using marijuana in violation of the NBA Anti-Drug Program,” Sanders said in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions.” "It's a banned substance in my league. But I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it. I know what it is if I'm going to use it."
Sanders went on to defend his use of the drug and feels that once the "prohibition" is lifted all of it will go away.

“It’s something I feel strongly about, just to let you know something personal about me,” Sanders told NBA.com and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel prior to the Bucks’ game against Chicago at United Center Friday. “I will deal with the consequences from it. It’s a banned substance in my league. But I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it.“I know what it is if I’m going to use it. I study it and I know the benefits it has. In a lot of ways we’ve been deprived. You can’t really label it with so many other drugs that people can be addicted to and have so many negative effects on your body and your family and your relationships and impairment. This is not the same thing.”
I'm not too keen on the activity itself but I don't think that there should be restrictions on athletes using especially since they take so much physical punishment. If you can take medication in pill that you can get busted for, why not marijuana. How many commercials have you seen where a drug manufacturer puts out a disclaimer telling you what effects on your health a "legal" drug can have on you, where marijuana is a natural solution. I'm not stumping for marijuana to be legal. That's another argument for another day.

University of Missouri basketball player Zach Price is suspended from the team after being arrested twice in 24 hours for allegedly assaulting his roommate and a woman.

Columbia Police Sgt. Joe Bernhard says that Price, 20, was arrested Thursday afternoon for domestic assault and assault after the 23-year-old victims reported that Price rammed their car at least twice Wednesday afternoon. That investigation was ongoing when Price was arrested on another alleged encounter with the same victims Thursday morning.

Police say he hit his male roommate in the face then pushed the woman to the ground.

Price had bonded out of jail on the charges stemming from the first incident.

Missouri Coach Frank Haith said after the first arrest that he was "very disappointed" with Price and will discipline him accordingly.

Price sat out last season after transferring from Louisville. You probably won't be seeing him suit up for the Tigers next season unless head coach Frank Haith turns a blind eye to the incident.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The Houston Cougars have found their next head coach and they didn’t have to look far.

Houston Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson has agreed to return to college hoops as the Cougars’ coach, according to CBSSports.com.

Sampson had worked in the NBA with the Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks over the past six years.

Sampson, 58, was fired from Indiana in 2008 after an NCAA investigation into improper and excessive contact with recruits regarding phone calls and text messages.

The violations were repeat offenses from when he was head coach at Oklahoma. This led to a five-year show-cause on Sampson, one of the harshest in NCAA history against a D-I college basketball coach.
The NCAA no longer puts such restrictions on text messages with recruits.

Sampson compiled a 496-271 career record at Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington State and Montana Tech. However, he received a five-year show-cause order in 2008, which meant that if a team wanted to hire him, it would need to impose sanctions on Sampson or “show cause” that Sampson properly served his punishment. The show-cause recently expired, so Sampson will be able to coach without any sanctions levied upon him.

Say what you want about Sampson but he will have the Cougars playing at a different level than in years past. Call him a cheater or a dirtbag but Sampson has the potential to make Houston a nationally relevant program once again.

Whether it's deserved or not, Stafford can afford a boffo wedding at a secluded, exotic location most of us will only see on television. Like they say the rich get richer. Speaking of the rich getting richer, Cold Stone creamery has offered to cater Stafford's wedding for free.

Why? Because of the free publicity the ice cream store received when Stafford and Hall announced their engagement and Instagrammed a picture of them eating at Cold Stone. If I knew that would work, I would've proposed to my wife at McDonald's and took a picture of it.

TMZ Sports spoke with Cold Stone head honcho Michael Serruya who tells us ... "We'd love to provide dessert for everyone at the wedding. And to the extent that they would allow us, we would love to make the cake as well!"

Congratulations to Stafford and the Lions should hope that he can get his game back on track.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Even though O'Bryant has been thought of as an NBA prospect since he set foot in Baton Rouge, he has been given a second round grade by NBA scouts. Even though he isn't guaranteed to be picked O'Bryant feels he's ready to ply his trade in the professional ranks.

"I've had a great time here at LSU, it's been an honor to wear the LSU jersey," O'Bryant said. "I just felt like I put the time and hard work in and I was ready."
During his three seasons in Baton Rouge, the Cleveland, Miss., native averaged 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in 91 games. In 2013-14, he was named first-team All-SEC for the second-straight season after shooting 49.6 percent from the field while starting all 34 games.

O'Bryant will have to wow the scouts in workouts if he wants to improve his position in the draft. At 6-9 and 256 he does have the size to play in the NBA but he'll have to improve his athleticism to make it at the next level.

O'Bryant has an uphill climb, but if Reggie Evans can stick around for as long as he has, O'Bryant has a shot. O'Bryant should hope that he doesn't go undrafted and wind up on a D-League roster.